Extension Updates

To assure that all of you are kept up to date on a regular basis, the three regional directors and the state Extension Administration Office provides bi-weekly Extension Updates. This forum is for all Extension announcements, so if you have something to distribute, please forward it to Lori Bates with FOR EXTENSION UPDATE noted.

March 15, 2013

On Behalf of Bill Nobles:

Pam Neelan’s Retirement

If you haven’t heard Pam Neelan, Pueblo County Youth Development Agent, is retiring on May 1, 2013. Pam has been employed by Colorado State University for over 30 years. She is a significant part of the 4-H program and in-school and after school programs. She has shaped the lives of many youth in Pueblo County and she will be missed. Pam’s retirement party is scheduled for April 22 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm at the First United Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall in Pueblo. More information to come.

Peaks & Plains Open Positions

  • Golden Plains Area Agronomy Agent position in Sedgwick closed and is in the process of reviewing applicants.
  • Pueblo County Director position closed and is in the process of reviewing applicants. Tentative interview dates are April 29 and 30 in Pueblo.
  • San Luis Valley 4-H Agent position will close April 12.
  • Pueblo County Agriculture Agent and Pueblo County Youth Development Agent positions are under review.

Professional Development Opportunity

Value Chain of Colorado Agriculture Webinar is Monday, March 18 from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm. The upcoming webinar will provide an overview of the Value Chain, some of the highlights the study reveals, “next steps” and how Extension will be involved.

To read more about it go to the Office of Engagement website, under the Office of Engagement Spotlight. You can read the complete study, executive summary, insights and conclusions, and the news release prior to the webinar. Go to http://outreach.colostate.edu/index.html

Program Leadership Team (PLT) Meeting

Join the Program Leadership Team (PLT) meeting via Adobe Connect on Wednesday, March 20, at 9:30 a.m. Please read Sonjia Graham’s email from March 13 for PLT meeting details.

Diversity Catalyst Team

The Diversity Catalyst Team training program is scheduled for April 9 and 10 in Morgan County. If you are interested in attending, contact Luann Boyer at (970) 542-3544 or Luann.Boyer@colostate.edu. There is still time to register.

What's Your H?

The Colorado Association of 4-H Agents (CAE4-HA) Professional Development Conference is being held on April 9-11, 2013 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Colorado Springs. For more information, contact Christy Fitzpatrick at (970) 522-7207 or Christy.Fitzpatrick@colostate.edu.

Peaks & Plains Regional Meeting

Celebrating Innovation! is scheduled for April 16-18, 2013 in Cripple Creek. Registration is available on-line. Call Joan Jordan if you have problems registering at (719) 545-1845. See you all there.

Developing a Safe Food Business Certificate – Mike Macklin

“Planning to start a cottage food business in your home kitchen, rent a commercial kitchen to produce your product, or begin a small-scale food manufacturing facility? It's an exciting time to be a food entrepreneur, but there are also many regulations and requirements to navigate. Even if you're thinking something more local, such as selling homemade foods at a farmers market or maybe a holiday fair, this safe food handling certificate is a must for you!”

This certificate was developed in response to the Cottage Foods Bill, and is specifically designed to meet the needs of the cottage food producer, and the requirements as outlined by the bill. The certificate is encompassed in a eight week course that focuses on all aspects of cottage food product development (manufacturing, safety, transportation, labeling, business planning, and marketing). The certificate is competitively priced, and more relevant to the food producer than common trainings like ServeSafe.

Information on the certificate’s webpage can be found at: http://www.online.colostate.edu/certificates/food-safety/ The course is running March 24 – May 18, 2013. The class is accepting registrations until March 22.

Updated